Yeah, I've read that -- the phrase "the high performance mixer can also be used as an 8 channel analog summer box" combined with the summing mixer inputs being mono seems to suggest that it simply sums 8 channels in mono if you don't have any input modules installed. But, at the same time, it would seem odd to not have the volume/pan controls work for those inputs. Then again, how do you switch between the summing mixer inputs and module inputs if you have 8 modules loaded in the frame? Perhaps that's what the white button below the volume and pan controls is for (it looks like it says "in", which would suggest that you press it to patch in the signal from the module loaded in the corresponding slot).

This does open the door for me to go 500. I have been waiting to get in but a 1000 bucks for a rack always slowed me down. This is considerably more that just a rack and all the other radial pieces I have are rock solid. I think they hit sometime in December.

This makes a lot of sense for the Radial modules! But: If I understand this correctly you can only sum standard 500 modules via the XLR out into the D-Sub ?

If that is the case, then I do not see that much interest unless Radial can alter the 500 module standard across the industry (API)...

Factor in that most retailers will throw in a free 6 slot lunch box if you purchase a few modules...One could always purchase a summing unit separately and have the added flexibility of having two separate units. Factor in the additional space needed for the 5000 power supply and you end-up with the same amount of used rack space.

Am I missing something? Is radial really attempting to take the 500 series market with 24 modules coming to market... pretty ballsy!

well you can also look at it as a high quality summing box (I think high end non-passive summing boxes can't be found under the price of the Workhorse) with a free lunchbox thrown in. Additionally this "lunchbox" has connectivity in the back that surpasses that of other 500 series racks. Plus there's the link and feed switches, plus the omni ports that Radial is taking advantage of now, and other manufacturers can take advantage of in the future. Then there's the headphone outs. Regarding rack spaces and its power supply here's a quote from the designer of the unit Kevin Burgin:
"Its a medical grade switcher (rear mount preferable) so dosent take a real rack space on the front."
It's probably built like a tank knowing Radial, and it's certainly designed well. Looks good too. IMHO it seems like a very practical box and a hell of a good deal to me.

Have there been any tests made for compatibility between the Chandler GERM 500 and the Workhorse? I know the power supply is supposed to be pretty robust....which leads me to my next question: I've reviewed this thread fairly thoroughly, but a couple posts have me a bit confused regarding the power supply for the Workhorse. Is it actually included with the unit?

Thanks for taking the time to address our concerns on this exciting new product!

Workhorse
We did some final listening tests at a studio in Austin a few weeks ago to confirm our results and everything is working well. We are now stuffing the final version over the next week or so. Good news is that we found some of the old API modules will actually work with the Radial mix buss. Seems that the folks at API used the same spare pins as we did. Very cool!

PJ

Which "old API modules" work with the Radial mix bus? I assume you mean by this that no additional patching is required via the XLR and dsub connectors on the back of the unit.

Last company I'd suspect of lame vapor tactics. I'm sure they're coming, someday. Nice line of products but they should have only shown them when they can really sell them. I think that should be true for any company but especially one with a good name and reputation like Radial. This episode has changed my opinion of them a bit. However I still like my Radial products and am sure I'll like their 500 stuff once I'm over this lameness.

whereas I like pre-announcements. Say I was in the market for a 500 series rack, I would like to know what is available and what is to come so I can make my decision on that vs. buying what is available and finding out a month later something which is better suited for my needs became available.
rsp